Will Clow

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Will

Recently I contacted Platinum Financial Planning to seek advice and guidance concerning a financial issue I had regarding my pension. I contacted them through their website and very quickly I was contacted and arrangements were made for me to speak to Will Clow. Will was fantastic. He provided me with the advice, guidance and reassurance I required. All this was achieved in super quick time and all my options were explained professionally, clearly and honesty. I can throughly recommend Platinum Financial Planning and specifically Will to anyone seeking clear and concise Financial advice. Ciaran Taggart

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I received ill health retirement package in 2023.

How has Will Clow helped you?

He advised on the best way to invest my money considering most beneficial return for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It has been nearly 12 months and i am happy with the return to date.

What could they have done better?

i cannot think of anything at the minute.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We needed help with our long term future plans, sorting our finances and providing us with a suitable income.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has always been very friendly and approachable. He is reassuring when we have any worries and explains ways to improve our situation, what is best for our circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Service is great as it is.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

After retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

With appropriate investment advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Higher returns are desirable, but that is forever the case.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was receiving early retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

He’s helped navigate me through investing my money & planning for retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Recommend by teachers union when retiring

How has Will Clow helped you?

He has given us advice to see our investments grow

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

We are happy with the results we have received

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Pension

How has Will Clow helped you?

Planning investing

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Perhaps if not for Covid and Putin!

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

funds to invest

How has Will Clow helped you?

provide advice risk and platform for investment

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

content with service provided

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To invest with expert advice

How has Will Clow helped you?

He has been extremely helpful and able to respond to all my questions to ensure I had the right portfolio

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I’m happy with the outcome

What could they have done better?

There’s nothing i feel could have been done better Will is very professional and gives comprehensive information and advice

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retiring, and needing advice on safeguarding my Lump Sum.

How has Will Clow helped you?

He has given me regular, reliable advice. He also enabled me to withdraw some money when I required it, fairly urgently.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Clarified our thinking and advised in investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good

What could they have done better?

N/A

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

The Ulster Teacher's Union had a retirement seminar and the previous adviser from Platinum spoke at that. I had a lump sum from my pension to invest and he was helpful. I am not a risk taker.

How has Will Clow helped you?

He understood my situation and was able to sum up my non-risk taking personality

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been satisfied that though the markets were very volatile for a while the advise to 'hang in' was good. Thank fully I did not need to use these funds through that time

What could they have done better?

Investing is a risky business so they are watching on your behalf, so I am not sure anything could have been done any better

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement plans

How has Will Clow helped you?

Consolidated funds

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My wife and I were getting close to retirement and were considering about investing our lump sums in a safe and sensible way some growth.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will is very easy to talk to and he avoids jargon. He explains things in a clear, easily understandable way and advice has always been good. He has always responded to our concerns in a calm and sensible way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The growth in our capital has been good throughout our time with Will and Platinum.

What could they have done better?

Very little!

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was retiring from full time employment and Platinum was advertising in the magazine of the TU/professional body of whihc I was a member.

How has Will Clow helped you?

He has provided consistently sound advice and taken great care to listen to my concerns about investing to ensure these are taken into full account.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything - in recent uncertain financial climates I have found the service I received to be prudent and well planned.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Investing pension and inheritance mo ey

How has Will Clow helped you?

Advised best way to invest the above in a way that I was comfortable with

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes happy with how my investments have e grown

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

i had a number of pension pots and needed to combine them and plan for my retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

He has provided excellent advice over a number of years of extremely volatile market conditions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, considering the prevailing economic climate.

What could they have done better?

I can't honestly think of anything.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement from work

How has Will Clow helped you?

Planning for the future

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything he could have done better

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement with a lump sum

How has Will Clow helped you?

He has been very clear in his advice. Very personable and encouraging, He has made the whole investment process personalised, clear, relatable and easy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely!

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Always available! Not too pushy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Getting there.

What could they have done better?

I really don’t know.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Looking to invest lump sum from pension to provide both income and capital growth.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will advised on possible investment strategies based on level of risk I was comfortable with that would deliver desired outcomes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days yet with investment only in place for 2 months, but going in the right direction.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To reduce the income tax payable on a voluntary redundancy payment.

How has Will Clow helped you?

The income tax was recovered and the pension pot has shown a steady, generally upward, trend.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

I have trusted Will to invest monies from my pension reserve for more than 10 years and would strongly recommend his financial advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I am completed satisfied.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Large sum work pension

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has helped us see our investment grow

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We have seen our initial investment grow by about 40%

What could they have done better?

Don’t know

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Learnt about Platinum at a NIPSA retirement course.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has been very clear in explaining options and answering questions and giving very sound advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Sometimes

What could they have done better?

I think I got good outcomes given the circumstances.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I had taken partial retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has gone through the pros n cons of investing and has made things clear to me which is very important to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Will advised me there’s ups n downs in investing and there have been but over the 5 years, I’m sure it will be grand.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, Will made things clear for me

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Approaching retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Provided options available to manage future financial needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very happy given the uncertainty experienced in the markets.

What could they have done better?

Possibly by increasing my risk profile which I was unwilling to do.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

When I first met Will I already had a stocks and shares ISA although it was making money I felt the money could be working harder for me I realised as a member of Nipsa I could consult with a finanical adviser so decided to give it a try and as they say the rest is history

How has Will Clow helped you?

All the advise Will has given me has been correct from advising no the panic when ti looked liked i had a lot of money during COVID and told me that I would get the money back and maybe plus more, every time there is a reduction in my savings I remember that conversation

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more

What could they have done better?

I don't think Will could of advising me any better and Will always makes himself available every time I have a concern or query about my money

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Will

Will was very nice - he advised me what to have in advance so that we could discuss my finances. I found him very easy to speak to, he spoke to me in a clear concise manner so I was able to understand him.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Planning for partial retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will was extremely professional and knowledgeable. I have come away for the meeting with solid information, increased knowledge and the confidence to make the right decision for me moving forward

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The meeting more than met my expectations

What could they have done better?

N/A - Very professional and welcoming environment

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Will

I was provided with clear, comprehensive advice by Will in relation to my pensions options which has allowed me to reach the best decision for me re my upcoming partial retirement.

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Will

Met with Will Clow, Financial Advisor yesterday. Pleasant & Professional throughout the meeting, with no jargon or sales pitch. Comprehensive & impartial advice provided. A really

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was retiring from work.

How has Will Clow helped you?

He set up a savings account to maximize interest & income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say but I was happy with his advice.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We had saved some money and wanted to invest it as part of our retirement plan

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will offered advise on what best suited our risk profile and had monitored our investments offering advice on changes as required

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Unfortunately we have been through a number of financial crises in recent years but the investment has shown growth and is certainly doing better than lying in a bank

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I could see

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Financial planning for retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has been extremely helpful. He provides clear, helpful advice and reassurance when required.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although the financial climate is not helpful at the moment.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I worked in the Health Service for 35 years and I have been a member of NIPSA throughout that time. NIPSA advises it's members to seek financial advice from Platinum. I have also attended seminars hosted by Platinum where financial advice is given to attendees who within a few years of retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

By explaining what investments my wife and myself have and how the changing financial climate affects our investments. Will has verified our own thinking of the value of long term investment and retaining other savings to act as a cushion against withdrawing from our investment pool.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Two factors have affected the outcomes so far. These have been COVID and the political situation with regards to the Ukraine/Russian conflict. I will be better placed to comment on the outcomes after 5 years and 10 years.

What could they have done better?

Everything possible has been done to make my wife and I confident in Will's skills. These keep us informed and up to date on our investments.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement

How has Will Clow helped you?

Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I wanted to invest my pension lump sum.

How has Will Clow helped you?

By choosing the most appropriate investment portfolio for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investment is not short term.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement planning advise

How has Will Clow helped you?

Spent time online with us discussing our options. Explained the elements of investment proceedures. Worked through the aspect of risk regarding our finances and the expectations within our profiles. Will allowed us time to digest the information and let us answer questions in an unhurried manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Considering the global markets, cost of living and the Russian invasion etc we are content at this point in time.

What could they have done better?

I'm more than happy with what has been done.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I felt that I was not getting the appropriate returns/interest on my savings. So , having checked out various financial advisors, I decided that platinum financial services were right for me.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Wills advice was extremely helpful & he put my mind at ease & made me feel confident that I was making the right decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, It is a long term investment which I have made with platinum financial services & I have nothing but complete confidence in Will that he shall continue to do what he considers is best for me.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Investment planning on retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will provides clear and understandable advice on financial planning. We are very happy with the advice we have received

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are happy with the performance of the investments which Will has made on our behalf.

What could they have done better?

We are content with the advice we have received and have never felt anything but confident with the quality of advice Will has provided.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Due to retirement I sought advice in investing my pension securely.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has given me advice to enable me to safeguard my initial investment and to grow it

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen my initial investment grow but the marketplace has been difficult this last 18 months

What could they have done better?

I think that they have done the best they could in the current financial climate.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I had retired and needed some advice.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will provides the expertise that I lack.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I feel that my finances are secure.

What could they have done better?

I’m content with the outcomes to date.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Low interest in banks and having money available to set aside and invest.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Talked over options and our views and needs. Invested in ethical business to achieve a fair return.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes happy with the service and advice and outcome is good considering the times we are in.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

When my wife and I retired we wanted a safe investment for our savings.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has provided sound advice during turbulent times in financial markets.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been able to withdraw cash from our investment without affecting the original capital and carried out home improvements.

What could they have done better?

Very little, the advice we have received has been excellent

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Help with setting up investments

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will has expertly guided us through an area we had very little knowledge of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Due to current markets not yet

What could they have done better?

Nothing the fluctuations in the market were not Will's fault.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

i wanted to get a check on my finances

How has Will Clow helped you?

all my money is now saved in ISAs and during this time i was medically retired from work, i was a civil servant for 34 years and will helped me sort out my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes will looks after me and my money

What could they have done better?

i dont think will could have done any more for me and i know if i'm not sure about any thing will is always at the end of a phone call

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To assist with my pensions and plan for my retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Advice and regular reviews of my pension plans and other financial holdings pre and during my recent retirement. In particular advice during the current economic downturn.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To date yes. I have not taken full pension as yet. Will be looking for to review options the coming months.

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind that has been an issue or need improvement.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Having retired almost 4 years ago I needed someone to help with my pension pot

How has Will Clow helped you?

He has been very helpful and always available when needed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Obviously with COVID and the war in Ukraine things haven't been as good as I'd hoped but hopefully things will improve over the coming months

What could they have done better?

Happy with all they have done

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Wishing to keep my money ( mainly my 'lump sum') secure, following my retirement.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Investing the money securely, in line with my personal risk assessment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Generally yes, although recent repercussions from disastrous Government miscalculations (Truss/Kwarteng) have been disappointing.

What could they have done better?

All this was beyond Platinum's and Will's ability to predict, so assessment of achievement is impossible.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

investment advice

How has Will Clow helped you?

spoke to me in plain language to help me understand

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes Will was realistic yet positive and i am content with progress

What could they have done better?

i was happy with the service

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Pension advice

How has Will Clow helped you?

Helped us decide on ethical investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are keeping the ship on an even keel in difficult circumstances

What could they have done better?

Nothing much

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was a career civil servant and retired in 2022 and needed to understand my options with regards to maximising both my pension and lump sum. Being a member of the Trade Union, NIPSA, I was able to avail of a seminar organised by them for NI civil servants approaching retirement . Will Clow gave a presentation at that seminar and I was so impressed that I immediately contacted Platinum to set up a meeting with him. He has been my financial advisor since then.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will Clow has been able to advise me on my investment options regarding my lump sum along with wider pension advice about my Sate pension. He has also advised me about how best to plan future inheritance arrangements all of which has made me much more content about my future financial position.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely as I have stated I am much more confident about my financial future especially at this time which everyone has to be sure of their monies - both income and investments.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - everything for me has been excellent.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was going partially retired.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will gave me the options which were available, he advised me in the best course of action and made things clear to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

As I was approaching retirement I wanted expert financial advice on investment.

How has Will Clow helped you?

Will is superb. He has a high level of expertise combined with a friendly, approachable manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I find Will very helpful and reliable.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Because I'm not the most astute financially

How has Will Clow helped you?

Explained things in a accessible way

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think so ( not sure until I retire ! )

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To discover whether I could afford to retire early

How has Will Clow helped you?

By getting my investments working really well for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so.